Therapy dogs: How can they be trained to help children?

Karinne said it was long process to get Clodagh to attend her hospital appointments. But things changed when a specialist recommended Mia.

Karinne said Mia had helped bring an “excitement” to Clodagh’s hospital visits.

“Clodagh’s experience with animals has changed so much about how I think and see them, they bring unconditional love, and they don’t look ask for anything,” Karinne said.

She added she has since been inundated with questions about how to access the service from other parents in similar situations.

“It gives me hope, because it helped me realise that Clodagh isn’t the only child on this journey.”

While most ADNI therapy dogs are used to help children, ADNI CEO Geraldine McCaughey said there has been an increase in autistic adults seeking the help of therapy dogs.

“Autism doesn’t stop at 12 years, it’s a lifelong condition,” she said.